Snow Leopard Trek, Upper Dolpo

Trip Facts

Area Covered:

Kathmandu valley, Upper Dolpo, Shey Phoksundo National Park

Grade:

Strenuous

Duration:

26 days (on trek 21 days)

Max. Altitude:

5,300m/17,388ft

Group Size:

5-12

Description

The Snow Leopard Trek is inspired by Peter Mathiessen’s book, The Snow Leopard, who took a journey into the region in 1973 when Dolpo was considered one of the most remote and inaccessible places on earth. Lying in the rain shadow of the Himalaya, this distinctive mountain desert region has only been open to trekkers since 1988 and requires a special permit to enter.

After flying into Juphal we trek north entering Phoksundo National Park, home to rich wildlife such as the elusive snow leopard and blue sheep. The trek crosses the Kang La, 5,279m/17,320ft, and passes the mystical Crystal Mountain to reach the remote eleventh century monastery of Shey Gompa. En route we visit the most isolated villages of Upper Dolpo, some of which still practice ancient pre-Buddhist Bon Po religions and where the villagers wear traditional Tibetan-style clothes.

The sheer isolation of the region means that Upper Dolpo is ideal for the keen walker who would like a wild, yet culturally distinct, Himalayan experience.

Trek to Phoksumdo Lake (11,808ft/3,600m). One day to relax and to explore.

Day
9-12:

Trek to Shey Gompa, also known as Crystal monastery. Cross the Pang La. Rest the following day.

Day
13-15:

Cross the Saldang La, visit the Namjung monastery and trek to Saldang.

Day
16-24:

Trek to Juphal. On route cross the Jeng La, visit the Chaiba gompa and the villages Dho Tarap and Dunai

Day
25:

Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.

Day
26:

International departure.

Cost Includes: * All internal flights and hotel/airport transfers * Good standard hotel accommodation (4 star) in Kathmandu, twin share, bed and breakfast basis * Best available hotels in Nepalganj on full board
* All road transport by private vehicles
* All camping facilities and all meals on trek
* Camp staff to carry out all camp work
* Costs of all porterage and their insurance
* Upper Dolpo Permit Fee

If wishing to travel at other times alternative itineraries are available.

Trip Dates

Price

Enquiry

Mustang Tiji Festival 2018 Trek

Trek to the remote kingdom of Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang of Nepal and witness the rituals and festivities of the Tiji Festival. more details...

Mustang - Kingdom of Lo Trek

Journey to the ancient kingdom of Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang on the footsteps of salt traders and revered Buddhist saints. more details...

Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes

Trek to Everest Base Camp and ascend the Gokyo Ri for stunning views of Everest and Gokyo Lakes. 21 days more details...

Tamang Heritage Trek

Trek through beautiful mountain villages and farmlands of the Tamang people of Nepal and experience ancient cultures and traditions of Tibet. more details...